UN Security Council lifts ambargo on Somalia after 30 years

The bill on lifting the arms embargo on Somalia was voted in the 15-member UNSC and was accepted unanimously. 

“The main purpose of this decision is to reduce the Al-Shabab threat.” stated in the decision. It’s also added that Security Council is concerned about Al-Shabab’s ongoing threat to the security of Somalia and the region.

In his speech after the vote, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Abukar Dahir Osman, said that this decision will contribute to Somalia’s fight against security threats.

The UNSC has been imposing an arms embargo on Somalia since 1992 in order to prevent the army’s weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials from getting taken by Al-Shabaab.

Somali President Hasan Sheikh Mahmud said that with the decision of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to lift the arms embargo imposed on Somalia, his country is now free to procure all the weapons it needs.

Mahmud also stated that friendly countries can now easily supply the needed weapons to the country.

In its statement, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the lifting of the arms embargo shows how much support the international community gives to the country in achieving lasting peace.

The ministry noted that the government expects continued cooperation in overcoming challenges and taking advantage of opportunities.